MODEL 1861 SPRINGFIELD DATED 1861

$6,500.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 172-5775

This is a first-year-of-production example the standard rifle musket of the Civil War, the Model 1861 Springfield, actually made at that armory. With production starting at Springfield in July 1861, the pattern eliminated the Maynard tape priming system and the buttstock patch box, and used a new rear sight. With the need for arms pressing, Springfield increased its work force, machinery, and started night shifts, managing to turn out some 33,000 of these new rifle-muskets by the end of 1861 and another 173,000 from January to December 1862. This one is in overall good to very good condition, showing issue and use, but with good edges to the wood, a tight fit of wood to metal, all bands, springs, swivels and rod correct and in place, good markings, and original, correct bayonet.

The wood has good color and generally minor handling dings and scratches overall. The lock apron has very good edges and shows one chip at bottom rear, and two very small pressure dents forward of the lock apron. The side flat has a drag line forward, but equally good edges and two very good cartouches: a crisp Eskine Allin ESA acceptance cartouche and a script finish inspector stamp above that that seems to be “GGB,” listed by some as George G. Bowe. On the belly of the stock the wood forward of the triggerguard tang shows a bit of chipping. Otherwise the marks are just small dings, light pressure dents and handling marks.

The rifle was clearly issued and used. The breech shows shallow pitting from firing corrosive percussion caps. This has spilled over slightly to the upper lock plate around the lower edge of the bolster and on the barrel forward to the rear sight and back to the breechplug tang. Nevertheless, the lock markings are very good, with a crisp 1861 date, US/Springfield stamp, and nice Springfield eagle showing just a bit of rubbing on the chest. The barrel date is also “1861.” The last digit is partially obscured by the pitting, but in the right light the vertical stroke of the last digit is pretty clear. The V/P/[eaglehead] barrel proofs are rubbed, but clear. The rear sight leaves show corrosion, but have visible range marks. Forward of the rear sight the metal is smooth, silver gray, with some gray and brown staining. The screw show staining, but are all very good, with crisp slots. Only the vent screw slot shows any sign of turning and that is pretty mild. Mechanics function very well; rifling is strong but the bore is dirty and exhibits some pitting from half way down and beyond.

The bayonet is correct and matches in color and condition. The locking ring turns freely. The US on the rear of the blade is a little crusty and a tad rubbed on the S, but clear and legible. This is a very good, early war example made in plenty of time to for the major battles and campaigns of the war.  [sr] [ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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